April 20, 2026, 6:12 am | Read time: 2 minutes
A change is coming to the cloud storage service OneDrive that will alter how deleted files are handled. Starting in May 2026, Microsoft will implement a new rule that clearly defines where removed content will go. Users who delete files should pay closer attention to find them again if needed. This change affects not only Windows 11 but also other systems.
Microsoft announced the update in the Microsoft 365 Admin Center (archived at Merill.net). According to the announcement, files deleted from the cloud storage that were also available locally will no longer be placed in the computer’s recycle bin. Instead, they will appear exclusively in OneDrive’s digital recycle bin. This means that if a file is removed via OneDrive, it will no longer be directly found on the PC. Recovery will only be possible through the recycle bin in the OneDrive account.
Local Deletion Processes Remain Unchanged
The change does not apply to all cases. Files stored exclusively online will continue to land in the OneDrive recycle bin. Content stored only locally on the computer will be placed in the system’s recycle bin as usual. Only files synchronized between the cloud and the device are affected.
With this adjustment, Microsoft primarily aims to improve performance. According to the company, synchronization should be faster as a result. Additionally, Microsoft wants to provide more clarity on which version of a file is current.
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Rollout by End of May
Previously, synchronized files were stored twice when deleted. They appeared in both the online and offline recycle bins. While this offered double protection, it had also become a habit for many users.
With the change, this double storage will be eliminated. It may initially seem unfamiliar. The change affects all OneDrive users on Windows and macOS. Microsoft plans to fully implement the adjustment by the end of May 2026.